Automatic Shut-off Device

ABSTRACT

An automatic shutoff device, comprising a housing member with a hollow opening, an inlet port coupled to a first end of the housing member, an outlet port coupled to a second end of the housing member, a valve coupled to the outlet port, a variable volume chamber within the housing member with an open end facing the inlet port of the housing member and a closed end with flow restriction holes in closed end facing the outlet port of the housing member, a one-way valve disposed in the closed end of the variable volume chamber, and a spring-biased piston within the variable volume chamber with a compressible spring coupled to the piston at the closed end of the chamber wherein the piston is mechanically coupled to the valve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/806,624 filed on Mar. 29, 2013 entitled “Automatic Shutoff Device”which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to automatic fluid shutoff devices.Such devices find use in applications where it is desired to provide forthe automatic shut-off of a pressurized water line that has a leak toprevent damage to structures or to prevent waste of water. Inparticular, automatic fluid shutoff valves that shut-off with slowconstant flow through the pipe and do not require electricity aredesired in applications such as homes where the occupants may be absentor otherwise unaware of a slow leak in the water supply line.

2. Description of Related Art

Various types of automatic shutoff devices and valves are available todetect leaks and shut off water supply lines before serious damageoccurs. Current automatic shutoff devices and valves that shut offduring periods of slow, constant flow require a separate electricalpower source. Alternatively they have features that are not compatiblewith shutting off home water supplies after long periods of slow, steadyflow.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,435 of Aldrich et al. describes a water shutoffvalve comprising a cylindrical body having a valve disk and water flowsensor. The sensor is connected to an electronic timer that resets tozero when water flow is interrupted. The valve automatically closes whenthere is a continuous flow of water for a predetermined amount of time.The timer may be set for selected time periods allowing the valve tostay open for short of long periods of time as required.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0193048 of Chang describes an overflowshutoff valve that is designed to automatically cut off water flow whenwater flows exceeds a certain amount. Its design allows forself-cleaning and it has an automatic resetting function. The valveconsists of an outer body that has an inlet and outlet port with aninternally installed rubber Venturi tube assembly, fixed flange, movingflange, coil spring and surge flow suppressing orifice. The valveautomatically shuts off when lower pressure causes a rubber tube to becompressed by the water pressure. The overflow shutoff valve turns offwhen the supply water pressure drops below 5 psi.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,638 of Johnson describes a flexible connector thatprevents excess flow of fluid when there is a rupture or separation ofthe connector. A spring biases the valve in an open position. The valvecloses when the pressure exceeds a pre-determined amount after a timedelay effected by a damping system that uses a variable volume damperchamber that includes a flexible bladder.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,341 of Achterman describes a flow shutoff valve thathas a flow metering sleeve within a flow passage. The sleeve and passageform an annular space. The sleeve includes a flow metering aperture thatis downstream from the annular space. A valve member is mounted withinthe sleeve. The valve may move between no flow, normal flow, and ashutoff position.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,485,220 of Gutierrez describes an automatic flowregulator valve designed to regulate water pressure from a liquid sourceoutlet in the event of pressure surges or fluctuations. The regulatorhas a spring and sealing plate. The sealing plate moves based upon waterpressure, moving the valve from an open state to a closed state.

Applicant(s) believe(s) that the material incorporated above is“non-essential” in accordance with 37 CFR 1.57, because it is referredto for purposes of indicating the background of the invention orillustrating the state of the art. However, if the Examiner believesthat any of the above-incorporated material constitutes “essentialmaterial” within the meaning of 37 CFR 1.57(c)(1)-(3), applicant(s) willamend the specification to expressly recite the essential material thatis incorporated by reference as allowed by the applicable rules.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an automatic fluid shut-off device thatshuts fluid flow off of a pressurized line carrying fluid such as awater supply line for a home or other building. The automatic fluidshutoff device shuts off a water line after a constant flow of waterruns for a pre-determined time period and flow rate.

In various representative aspects, the present invention may provide anautomatic fluid shutoff device comprising a housing member having afirst end and a second end with a hollow opening inside the housingmember between the first end and second end. An inlet port may couple tothe first end of the housing member. An outlet port may couple to thesecond end of the housing member. There may be a sealing ring applied tothe inlet and outlet ports and in contact with the housing member. Avariable volume chamber may be disposed within the housing member withan open end of the variable volume chamber facing the inlet port of thehousing member and a closed end with flow restriction holes in theclosed end of the variable volume chamber facing the outlet port of thehousing member. The flow restriction holes may be configured in such away that the fluid flowing through the housing member impinges on thepiston, flows around the chamber and into the outlet port and into therestriction holes in such a way that the piston will actuate valve tothe off position when constant flow is achieved for a prolonged periodof time and resets the valve to the open position when the flow of waterchanges. A spring-biased piston may be disposed within the variablevolume chamber with a compressible spring coupled to the piston at theclosed end of the chamber wherein the piston is mechanically coupled tothe valve. A one-way valve may be disposed in the closed end of thevariable volume chamber. There may be a disk comprised of an outer rimand a center support member comprising an aperture rigidly connected tothe rim of the disk at least one point wherein the disk may be disposedbetween the housing member and the valve within the outlet port with afirst side of the aperture facing the housing member and a second sidefacing the valve. The disk may further comprise a plurality of rigidconnections between the rim and center support member and aperture.There may also be a button rod with a first end and second end disposedbetween the variable volume chamber with the first end of the button rodmechanically coupled to the spring-biased piston through an aperture inthe variable volume chamber and the second end of the button rodmechanically coupled to the center support member aperture, the buttonrod coupled to the center support member aperture on the first side ofthe aperture. The button rod may further comprise a spring. The buttonrod may further be disposed within an aperture in a valve. There may bean indicator handle coupled to the housing member such that the flowrestriction holes are blocked when the indicator handle rotates. Theremay be a rod which can block the flow restriction holes. There may be afilter disposed within the variable volume chamber. A valve may coupleto the outlet port of the housing member. The valve may comprise aspring-loaded ball valve comprising a valve body, a stem, a torsionspring, and a ball disk. There may also be a spring rod with a first endmechanically coupled to the disk through the center support member andaperture at the second side and in contact with the button rod and asecond end mechanically coupled to the stem of the valve when the valveis in the on position. There may be a spring-loaded tip at the first endof the spring rod that protrudes partially through the thickness of theaperture in contact with the button rod. There may be a first end of thespring rod is mechanically coupled to the stem of the ball valve,holding the valve spring in tension when the valve is in the onposition. The first end of the spring rod may be un-coupled from thecenter support member aperture, with the valve spring relaxed when thevalve is in the off position. The valve may comprise a shut-off blockvalve comprising a handle, a first and second opening, an inlet port, anoutlet port, at least one fluid passageway, and a piston whichpenetrates the channels in the off position and allows flow in the onposition. The valve may comprise passageways that can be frilly orpartially blocked by the button rod. The valve may comprise a handlewhich may be mechanically coupled to the housing member of a valve. Thehandle may freely slide within the housing member of a valve and mayprevent fluid flow while inserted. The valve housing member may compriseat least one passageway which fluid can flow through. The valve mayfurther comprise a pressure relief chamber.

By now it should be appreciated that there has been disclosed anautomatic shut-off valve comprising a housing member with a hollowopening with an inlet port and an outlet port, a spring loaded ballvalve comprising a valve body, stem, ball disk, and spring coupled tothe outlet port, a shut-off block valve comprising a valve body, aninlet port, an outlet port, at least one passageway for fluid flowdeposed between the inlet and outlet ports, and a piston whichpenetrates the passageways in the off position, a variable volumechamber within the housing member with an open end facing the inlet portof the housing member and a closed end with flow restriction holes inclosed end facing the outlet port of the housing member, a one-way valvedisposed in the closed end of the variable volume chamber, a diskcomprised of an outer rim and a center support member comprising anaperture rigidly connected to the rim of the disk at least one pointwherein the disk is disposed between the housing member and the valvewith a first side of the aperture facing the housing member and a secondside facing the valve and a spring-biased piston within the variablevolume chamber with a compressible spring coupled to the piston at theclosed end of the chamber wherein the piston is mechanically coupled tothe spring-loaded ball valve.

Aspects and applications of the invention presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unlessspecifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in thespecification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, andaccustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.The inventor is fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers ifdesired. The inventor expressly elects, as his own lexicographers, touse only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specificationand claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further,expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explainhow it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clearstatements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is theinventor's intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaningto the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification andclaims.

The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and applicationof the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f). Thus, the use of thewords “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description orDescription of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehowindicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f),to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C.§112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claimswill specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or“step for, and will also recite the word “function” (ie., will state“means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without alsoreciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support ofthe function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performingthe function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ”if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support ofthat means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is theclear intention of the inventor not to invoke the provisions of 35U.S.C. §112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f)are invoked to define the claimed inventions, it is intended that theinventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material oracts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition,include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform theclaimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of theinvention, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalentstructures, material or acts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived byreferring to the detailed description when considered in connection withthe following illustrative figures. In the figures, like referencenumbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the automatic shut-off deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the disassembled components of theautomatic shut-off device according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 depicts a cut-away view of the automatic shut-off device in anoff position.

FIG. 4 depicts a cut-away view of the automatic shut-off device in an onposition.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the housing member when device isset in an active position.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the housing member when device isset in an in-active position.

FIG. 7 depicts a cut-way side view of the one-way valve for conditionsallowing filling and resetting of variable volume chamber.

FIG. 8 depicts a cut-way side view of the one-way valve for conditionspreventing triggering of variable volume chamber.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the automatic shut-off deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of components of the valve of theautomatic shut-off device according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 depicts an exploded and cross sectional view of the componentsof the valve in an active position for one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 depicts an exploded and cross sectional view of the componentsof the valve in an intermediate position for one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 depicts an exploded and cross sectional view of the componentsof the valve in an inactive position for one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the automatic shut-off deviceaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and havenot necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence orembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will beunderstood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussedmore generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases,a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implementthe various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation isto be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are manydifferent and alternative configurations, devices and technologies towhich the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of theinventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

In one application of the invention, referring now to FIG. 1, a deviceaccording to various aspects of the invention is depicted from aperspective view with a cut-out showing its internal features. In theembodiment pictured in FIG. 1, the automatic shut-off device 100comprises a housing member 104 with a hollow opening, an inlet port 108,an outlet port 112, a variable volume chamber 116, and a valve 124. Theinlet port 108 couples to the housing member 104 on a first end of thehousing member. The outlet port 112 couples to the housing member 104.The coupling of the inlet port 108 and outlet port 112 to the housingmember 104 may be a fixed or rotary coupling wherein the housing membermay turn freely around the inlet and outlet ports. A sealing ring (notshown) may be coupled to the inlet port 108. A sealing ring (not shown)may be coupled to the outlet port 112. The variable volume chamber 116is contained within the hollow opening of the housing member andcontains a spring-biased piston 120. The spring-biased piston 120 maycomprise a sealing ring (not shown). An indicator handle 128 is attachedto the housing member near the outlet port to show its position. Thehousing member 104 may comprise material selected from the groupcomprising plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, cast iron, titanium, oralloys of these metals although other materials may be used. The inletand outlet ports 108 and 112 may comprise one or more of the followingmaterials: plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, cast iron, titanium,and alloys of these metals, although other materials may be used. Thevariable volume chamber 116 may comprise one or more of the followingmaterials: plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, cast iron, titanium,and alloys of these metals, although other materials may be used. Avalve 124 is connected to the outlet port 112 with a fixed connectioncomprising solder, plastic cement or other connection appropriate forthe materials used for the outlet port and valve. In some embodiments,the valve comprises a spring-loaded ball valve comprising a valve body126, stem 132, and handle 140. In other embodiments, other types ofvalves may suffice so long as the valve resets itself to the offposition when no force is applied to the valve.

During operation, the spring biased piston 120 mechanically actuates thespring-loaded ball valve 124 tripping it from an on to an off positionwhen water flows constantly for a sustained period of time and at aconstant flow. After the water flow is shut off the user must then resetthe device by locking the handle 140 back into the on position as isshown in FIG. 1. To adjust the amount of water flow and time required totrip the ball valve, the user turns the housing member about the inletand outlet ports 108 and 112 as well as variable volume chamber 116 toadjust the rate at which the spring biased piston 120 will mechanicallyactuate the spring-loaded ball valve 124.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an automatic shut-off device 100 according tovarious aspects of the invention is depicted from a perspective explodedview to show, in greater detail, the assembly of the various components.As shown in FIG. 2, the housing member 104, has a first end 106 and asecond end 107 that couple to the inlet port 108 and outlet port 112respectively. The second end has a blanking plate 152 that coversapproximately half of the second end 107 of the housing. The inlet andoutlet ports 108 and 112 may have a rotary coupling with the housingmember 104. The inlet port 108 and outlet port 112 may fit withinhousing member 104. A plurality of passages 110 are incorporated intothe inlet port 108 to allow fluids to flow between the variable volumechamber 116 and the inside of housing member 104. The variable volumechamber 116 having an open end 117 and a closed end 118 is disposedwithin the housing member 104. The spring-biased piston 120 comprising aspring 123 and piston 122 is placed at the open end 117 of the variablevolume chamber 116. An indicator handle 128 is attached to the housingmember near the outlet port to show its position. The piston 122 maycomprise plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, castiron, titanium, or alloys of these metals, although other materials maybe used. The piston 122 may use a sealing ring (not shown) to seal thepiston 122 to the inner wall of the variable volume chamber 116. Thesealing ring may comprise rubber, plastic, neoprene, Teflon, or othersuitable sealing material. The spring 123 may comprise steel, stainlesssteel, or alloys of these metals although other materials may be used. Adisk 119 is placed facing the outlet port 112. The disk 119 comprises arim 125, a center support member and aperture 127 that is supported byone or more supports 129. The disk 119 may comprise one or more of thefollowing materials: plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, cast iron,titanium, and alloys of these metals, although other materials may beused. A button rod 130 with a first end 131 and a second end 133 iscoaxially placed in the closed end of the variable volume chamber 118 insuch a way that it slides freely and contacts the spring biased piston120. The button rod 130 may comprise one or more of the followingmaterials: plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, castiron, titanium, and alloys of these metals, although other materials maybe used. A spring rod 134 with a first end 135 and a second end 136 isplaced between the center support member and center support member andaperture 127. The spring rod 134 may comprise plastic, PVC, brass,aluminum, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, titanium, or alloys ofthese metals, although other materials may be used. The first end of thespring rod has a spring loaded tip 137 that allows the end to beretracted when pushed externally. The spring rod 134 couples to thespring-loaded ball valve 124 at the valve stem 132 inside the valve body126 (connection not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 3, an automatic shut-off device 100 in the “on”position according to various aspects of the invention is depicted froma perspective cross-section view to show, in greater detail, theoperation of the automatic shut-off device as well as the interworkingand relationships between the various components. As shown in FIG. 3,the housing member 104, has first end 106 and a second end 107 thatcouple to the inlet port 108 and outlet port 112 respectively. The inletand outlet ports 108 and 112 have a rotary coupling with the housingmember 104. The spring-biased piston 120 comprising a spring 123, andpiston 122 is disposed within the variable volume chamber 116. A disk119 is placed inside of the outlet port 112 using a press fit, welding,soldering, or cement although other attachment methods may be used. Abutton rod 130 with a first end 131 and a second end 133 is coaxiallyplaced through the closed end of the variable volume chamber 118 in sucha way that it slides freely and contacts the piston 122. A spring rod134 with a first end 135 and a second end 136 is placed with the firstend 135 coupled to the center support member and aperture 127 within thedisk 119. The first end of the spring rod has a spring loaded tip 137that allows the end to be refracted when pushed externally. The springrod 134 couples to the spring-loaded ball valve 124 at the valve stem132 inside ball disk 135 within the valve body 126. During operation inthe “on” position, as is depicted here, the piston 122 does not contactthe button rod 130 with sufficient force to compress the spring loadedtip 137 which, in turn, allows the spring loaded tip 137 of the springrod 132 connected to the stem 132 of valve 124 to remain seated in thecenter support member and aperture 127, keeping the spring loaded ballvalve in the open position.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an automatic shut-off device 100 in the “off”position according to various aspects of the invention is depicted froma perspective cross-section view to show, in greater detail, theoperation of the automatic shut-off device as well as the interworkingand relationships between the various components. During transition toand operation in the “off” position, as is depicted here, the piston 122contacts the first end 131 of button rod 130 and the second end of thebutton rod 133 forces spring loaded tip 137 of the spring rod 134 toretract and then unseat from center support member and aperture 127 asthe stored tension in stem 132 of the spring-loaded valve 124 isreleased and the spring-loaded valve assumes the “off” position therebycutting off the flow of water.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a portion of the automatic shut-off device 500according to various aspects of the invention is depicted from aperspective view to show, in greater detail, the operation of theinterworking and relationships between the various components. Thehousing member 104 is depicted showing the second end 107 and the closedend of the variable volume chamber 118 wherein a blanking plate 152covers half of the closed end 118 of the variable volume chamber 116.The closed end 118 of the variable volume chamber further comprises oneor more flow restriction holes 144 and one or more inlet holes 148 toaccommodate one or more one-way valves inside of the variable volumechamber 116. The flow restriction holes 144 are used in conjunction withthe one-way valve to set the flow rate and time that it will take forthe variable volume chamber to actuate the mechanical linkage to thespring loaded ball valve (not shown). The number of flow restrictionholes 144 is preferably between 4 and 8 although other numbers of holesmay be used. The diameter of the flow restriction holes may be between0.0135 inches and 0.104 inches and may be drilled using an 80 gaugedrill bit or a 38 gauge drill bit, respectively. While these hole sizesare preferred, other hole sizes may be used without departing from thescope of the invention. As depicted in FIG. 5, the housing member 104 isturned with respect to the variable volume chamber 116 using theindicator handle 128. In so doing, the blanking plate 152 covers therestriction holes 144 to varying degrees. When no holes are coveredduring times of slow water flow, the variable volume chamber will fillvery slowly, if at all, since the water is allowed to escape from thevariable volume chamber 116 and comparatively little water will enterthe chamber 116. During operation and depending how may of the flowrestriction holes 144 are covered by blanking plate 152, the holes willallow between 0.5 and 2.5 gallons per minute to flow while, withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, other flow rates may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 6, various aspect of the invention are depictedand described further. Accordingly, the housing member 104 is turnedwith respect to the variable volume chamber 116 using the indicatorhandle 160. In so doing, the blanking plate 152 covers the holes. Whenno holes are covered during times of slow water flow, the piston 122(not shown) within the variable volume chamber will not apply the forcenecessary to trip the button rod 130 (not shown), since the water cannotescape from the variable volume chamber 116.

Referring now to FIG. 7 additional aspects of the automatic shutoffdevice are depicted from a cross sectional view. The closed end of thevariable volume chamber 118 has an inlet hole 148 connected to a one wayvalve 700. The one-way valve 700 comprises an outer housing 750, aninlet passage 760, and outlet passage 770, and a check ball 780. Theone-way valve 700 operates to allow fluid to flow through the valve in adirection 790 away from the inlet hole 148 of the closed end 118 of thevariable volume chamber 106.

Referring now to FIG. 8 additional aspects of the automatic shutoffdevice are depicted from a cross sectional view. In this view theone-way valve 700 operates to not allow fluid to flow through the valvein a direction 890 toward the inlet hole 148 of the closed end 118 ofthe variable volume chamber 106. Here the fluid flow in the direction890 toward the inlet hole 148 is stopped when check ball 780 seatsagainst valve seat 782 thus preventing flow out of inlet hole 148.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the automatic shut-offdevice 900 according to various aspects of the invention is depictedfrom a perspective view. In the embodiment pictured in FIG. 9, theautomatic shut-off device 900 comprises a housing member 104 with ahollow opening 105, an inlet port 108, an outlet port 112, a variablevolume chamber 116, and valve 905. The inlet port 108 couples to thehousing member 104 on a first end of the housing member. The housingmember 104 comprises an outlet port 112 which couples to shut-off blockvalve 905. The coupling of the inlet port 108 to the housing member 104and the outlet port 112 to the shut-off block valve 905 may be a fixedor rotary coupling wherein the housing member 104 may turn freely aroundthe inlet 108 and outlet 112 ports. The variable volume chamber 116 iscontained within the hollow opening 105 of the housing member 104. Thehousing member 104 may comprise one or more of the following materials:plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, cast iron, titanium, and alloys ofthese metals; however other materials may also be used. The inlet port108 and outlet port 112 may comprise one or more of the followingmaterials: plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, cast iron, titanium,and alloys of these metals; however other materials may also be used.The variable volume chamber 116 may comprise one or more of thefollowing materials: plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, cast iron,titanium, and alloys of these metals; however other materials may alsobe used.

In this embodiment, the shut-off block valve 905 comprises an outletport 910, a handle 920, and sectionals 930, 935, and 937. The shut-offblock valve 905 may comprise one or more of the following materials:plastic, PVC, brass, aluminum, steel, cast iron, titanium, and alloys ofthese metals, however other materials may be used. Sectional 930 of theshut-off block 905 is coupled to the outlet port 112 with a fixedcoupling comprising solder, plastic cement, or another couplingappropriate for the materials used for the outlet port 112 and shut-offblock valve 905.

During operation, the variable volume chamber 116 actuates shut-offblock 905 tripping it from an on to an off position when water flowsconstantly for a sustained period of time and at a constant flow. Theautomatic shut-off device 900 shown in FIG. 9 is in an off position.After the water flow is shut of the user must reset the device bypulling the handle 920 back into an on position.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a perspective and exploded view of theshut-off block valve 905 is depicted to show, in greater detail, thecomponents of an implementation of a shut-off block valve 905. As shownin FIG. 10, the shut-off block valve 905 comprises an outlet port 910, ahandle 920, and sectionals 930, 935, and 937. The handle 920 maycomprise a rod 922, a cap 924 and a plate 926. The plate 926 may becoupled to sectional 935 to prevent leakage from the shut-off blockvalve 905. The plate 926 can be coupled to sectional 935 through solder,plastic cement, or another connection appropriate for the materials usedfor the plate 926 and the shut-off block valve 905. Sectional 930 maycomprise a disk 960. Disk 960 may comprise an aperture 965 and centersupport structure 967. The button rod 130 of variable volume chamber 116may be inserted into the aperture 965. The button rod 130 may slidefreely through aperture 965. The button rod 130 in FIG. 10 is in aresting state. When a liquid flows constantly for a sustained period oftime and at a constant flow in variable volume chamber 116, the buttonrod 130 will slide into sectional 935 and actuate the valve 905 trippingit from an on to an off position. Sectionals 930, 935, and 937 maycomprise one or more of the following materials: plastic, PVC, brass,aluminum, steel, cast iron, titanium, and alloys of these metals,however other materials may also be used. Sectionals 930, 935, and 937may be coupled together through solder, plastic cement, or anothercoupling appropriate for the materials comprising the sectionals 930,935, and 937.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a cross sectional and exploded view of theshut-off block valve 905 is depicted as well as the button rod 130 fromthe previously depicted variable volume chamber 116. The shut-off blockvalve 905 comprises an outlet port 910, a handle 920, and sectionals930, 935, and 937. Handle 920 comprises a rod 922, a cap 924, a plate926, and a piston 928. Sectional 935 comprises passageways 940, 945, and947. Sectional 937 comprises a passageway 950. Sectional 930 comprises adisk 960, an aperture 965, and a center support structure 967. Theshut-off block valve 905 in FIG. 11 is in an on position, with thebutton rod 130 of the variable volume chamber 116 is not extended intothe sectional 930, and the piston 928 of the handle 920 is plugging thespace between passageway 945 and passageway 940. When the button rod 130and piston 928 are in this position, water can freely flow from theautomatic shut-off device around the center support frame 967 and intopassageways 940 and 945. With passageway 945 plugged by piston 928, afluid will only be routed through passageway 940 and then throughpassageway 947 as demonstrated by fluid flow lines 970 and 972. Thefluid will then enter passageway 950 and continue to flow out of outlet910.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a cross sectional and exploded view of theshut-off valve 905 is depicted as well as the button rod 130 with firstend 131 and second end 133 from the previously depicted variable volumechamber 116. The water pressure in the automatic shut-off device 900 hascaused the button rod 130 to extend past sectional 930. In this extendedstate, the second end 133 of the button rod 130 may partially or fullyblock passageway 940. When passageway 940 becomes blocked, the fluidwill divert into passageway 945, as shown by fluid flow lines 974. Whenpassageway 940 is only partially blocked, some fluid will continue toflow into the passageway 940 and travel along fluid lines 972, intopassageway 950 and out of outlet 910.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a cross sectional and exploded view of theshut-off block valve 905 is depicted as well as the button rod 130 withfirst end 131 and second end 133 from the previously depicted variablevolume chamber 116. The valve in FIG. 13 is depicted in an off position.When the second end 133 of button rod 130 is extended to partially orfully block passageway 940, fluid is redirected into passageway 945. Theredirection of fluid creates a pressure differential between the twopassageways 940, 945, and causes the piston 928 of handle 920 to pushinto sectional 935, as shown by force line 976. When the pressuredifferential causes the piston 928 to completely enter sectional 935 itwill seal the passageway 940 and cease all fluid flow through passageway947 and no fluid can travel through passageway 950 and out of outlet 910of sectional 937.

Referring now to FIG. 14, another embodiment of the automatic shutoffdevice is depicted in a perspective view. FIG. 14 depicts a housingmember 104 with a hollow opening 105 and a first and second open end,the housing member 104 further comprising an inlet cap 108 and outletcap 112. The housing member 104 further comprises a variable volumechamber 116 which is disposed within the hollow opening of the housingmember. A spring-biased piston 120 is depicted within the variablevolume chamber, and is coupled to outlet 112. A button rod 130 isdisposed within the variable volume chamber, and further comprises aspring 1040. A disk 119 is coupled to the outlet port 112, the diskcomprising a rim 125, an aperture 127 and center support structure 129.The disk 119 may further comprise one or more passageways 1030. The diskmay further comprise flow restriction holes 144. The flow restrictionholes 144 may be arranged vertically or in any other way that permitsthem to control the flow of fluid out of them. Disk 119 may furthercomprise an aperture 1020 where a rod 1010 may be inserted. Rod 1010 mayblock any number of fluid restriction holes 144 within disk 119, and canbe adjusted by changing how far the rod 1010 is inserted into aperture1020. The disk 119 further comprises an inlet hole 148. A one way valve700 may be inserted into inlet hole 148.

The automatic shutoff device in FIG. 14 is depicted in an on position.When a fluid enters inlet 108 it will push against the spring-biasedpiston 120 of the variable volume chamber 116 while also flowing aroundthe chamber 116 in the hollow opening 105 between the housing member 104and the variable volume chamber 116. The spring-biased piston 120 doesnot fully compress when the fluid is not constantly flowing for asustained period of time and at a constant flow. When the fluid isconstantly flowing for a sustained period of time and at a constantflow, the spring-biased piston 120 will compress and gradually push thebutton rod 130 through aperture 127. In some embodiments of thisinvention, the now extended button rod 130 will block fluid flow intoanother device such as a toilet. In other embodiments of the invention,the extended button rod 130 will actuate a valve 905 and trip it to anoff position.

1. An automatic shutoff device comprising: a housing member with ahollow opening; an inlet port coupled to a first end of the housingmember; an outlet port coupled to a second end of the housing member; avariable volume chamber within the housing member with an open endfacing the inlet port of the housing member and a closed end with flowrestriction holes facing the outlet port of the housing member; aspring-biased piston within the variable volume chamber comprising acompressible spring coupled to a piston at the closed end of thechamber; a one-way valve disposed in the closed end of the variablevolume chamber; and a disk comprising an outer rim and a center supportmember comprising an aperture wherein the center support member isrigidly coupled to at least one point of the outer rim.
 2. The automaticshutoff device of claim 1, further comprising a button rod with a firstend and second end disposed between the variable volume chamber and thedisk wherein the first end of the button rod is mechanically coupled tothe spring-biased piston through an aperture in the variable volumechamber and the second end of the button rod is mechanically coupled tothe disk through the aperture of the center support member.
 3. Theautomatic shutoff device of claim 1, further comprising an indicatorhandle coupled to the housing member such that the flow restrictionholes are blocked when the indicator handle rotates.
 4. The automaticshutoff device of claim 1, where the flow restriction holes can beblocked by a rod.
 5. The automatic shutoff device of claim 1 wherein theflow restriction holes and outlet port are configured such that thepiston actuates the valve to an off position when constant flow isachieved for a predetermined period of time and resets to the openposition when the flow of water changes.
 6. The automatic shutoff deviceof claim 1, further comprising a filter disposed within the variablevolume chamber.
 7. The automatic shutoff device of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one sealing ring disposed within the housing member.8. An automatic shutoff device comprising: a housing member with ahollow opening; an inlet port coupled to a first end of the housingmember; an outlet port coupled to a second end of the housing member; avalve coupled to the outlet port; a variable volume chamber within thehousing member with an open end facing the inlet port of the housingmember and a closed end with flow restriction holes facing the outletport of the housing member; a spring-biased piston within the variablevolume chamber comprising a compressible spring coupled to a piston atthe closed end of the chamber; a one-way valve disposed in the closedend of the variable volume chamber; and a disk comprising an outer rimand a center support member comprising an aperture wherein the centersupport member is rigidly coupled to at least one point of the outerrim.
 9. The automatic shutoff device of claim 8, further comprising abutton rod with a first end and second end disposed between the variablevolume chamber and the disk wherein the first end of the button rod ismechanically coupled to the spring-biased piston through an aperture inthe variable volume chamber and the second end of the button rod ismechanically coupled to the disk through the aperture of the centersupport member.
 10. The automatic shutoff device of claim 8, furthercomprising an indicator handle coupled to the housing member such thatthe flow restriction holes are blocked when the indicator handle isrotated.
 11. The automatic shutoff device of claim 8, where the flowrestriction holes are blocked by a rod.
 12. The automatic shutoff deviceof claim 8, further comprising a filter disposed within the variablevolume chamber.
 13. The automatic shutoff device of claim 8, furthercomprising at least one sealing ring disposed within the housing member.14. The automatic shutoff device of claim 8, wherein the flowrestriction holes and outlet port are configured such that the pistonactuates the valve to an off position when constant flow is achieved fora predetermined period of time and resets to the open position when theflow of water changes.
 15. The automatic shutoff device of claim 8,where the valve further comprises a spring-loaded ball valve comprisinga valve body, a stem, a torsion spring, and a ball disk.
 16. Theautomatic shutoff device of claim 15, further comprising a spring rodwith a first end mechanically coupled to the disk through the apertureat the second side and in contact with the button rod and a secondportion mechanically coupled to the stem of the valve when the valve isin an on position.
 17. The automatic shutoff device of claim 16, furthercomprising a spring loaded tip at the first end of the spring rod. 18.The automatic shutoff device of claim 16, wherein the first end of thespring rod is mechanically coupled to the center support memberaperture, holding the valve spring in tension when the valve is in theon position.
 19. The automatic shutoff device of claim 16 wherein thefirst end of the spring rod is un-coupled from the center support memberaperture, with the valve spring relaxed when the valve is in an offposition.
 20. The automatic shutoff device of claim 8, where the valvefurther comprises a shutoff block valve comprising a valve body with aninlet port and an outlet port, at least one passageway for fluid flowdeposed between the inlet and outlet ports, and a piston whichpenetrates the at least one passageway in the off position and allowsflow in the on position.